Dancers put on a show at U.Dance NW festival

Eight pairs of Doc Martens, three dustbins and an incredible choreography helped Warrington Collegiate’s talented young dancers to raise a little anarchy when they took to the stage at the prestigious U.Dance festival.

The college’s dance company – Company Boom - was one of 22 groups selected from more than 100 applications to perform at the festival, which took place at the Lowry Theatre in Salford at the end of March.

The festival, held each spring, encourages young people’s dance groups from across the region to come together and share their work with one another on a professional stage.

Company Boom - made up of level 3 dancers Cadie Anne Dutton, Klaudia Molnar, Jade Pridden, Danielle Stanton, Grace Daniel, Emma Bennett, Shannon Stocks and HNC dancer Leah Croft – was one of just three college groups shortlisted for the event.

Cadie said: “Taking part in U.Dance was a fantastic experience. It was an incredible opportunity for us to showcase what we can do – it felt so good to perform. We had something different from everyone else.”

Their piece celebrated over 40 years of British punk music and saw the dancers take key elements of what sparked the youth revolution to choreograph a blend of contemporary and urban dance.

As well as performing, Company Boom also took part in a number of workshops with some of the UK’s most exciting choreographers.

Cadie added: “It gave us an idea of what it’s like to work in the performance world. Everyone was really supportive and we were able to share ideas and tips with other dancers.”

Fellow dancer Emma said: “We gave it our absolute all – I loved every minute of it!”

Sindy Richardson, curriculum leader for creative and performing arts, said: “There are no words to describe how immensely proud I am of every single one of our dancers that performed at U.Dance.

“To be selected from more than 100 applicants to perform at the festival is just incredible and shows just how talented they all are – they’re among the best youth dance companies from around the North West!”